The UK NSC recommendation on Cryptorchidism screening in newborn boys

Recommendation

Systematic population screening programme recommended

Last review completed

n/a

Next review due in

n/a

Evidence to support continuation or cessation of existing screening programmes should be reviewed regularly. The process for this is currently being revised, which is why this topic does not currently have a review date. The new process will be published in due course. Each programme has an active portfolio of research, evidence and audit to support continual improvement. Find out more about cryptorchordism screening, as part of the newborn and infant physical examination programme in England.

Detection of delayed descent of the testicles forms part of the routine physical examination of all newborn baby boys and again at 6-8 weeks.

More about Cryptorchidism

While in the womb, male babies' testicles develop in their abdomen. Towards the end of pregnancy, the testicles travel down into the scrotum. Both testicles should be in the scrotum by the time the child is one year old and if this is not the case, the testicles are described as being ‘undescended’ (this is also known as cryptorchidism).

This is most common in premature babies and around one in 20 male babies is born with an undescended testicle. The incidence at the age of one year is around 1%.

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the recommendation is next reviewed.
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More information for stakeholders can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.